After the QCF: A New Qualifications Framework

In December 2014, following a consultation, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) announced to withdraw the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF). In March 2015, Ofqual published a consultation - "After the QCF: A New Qualifications Framework" to get more feedbacks and comments on their proposed new Framework of Regulated Qualifications (FRQ). 

CIE took part in the consultation and gave feedback answering different questions on the proposed changes and introduction of new conditions. As a comment, Rezaul Hai (pictured right), CIE's Chief Executive, said:

"The proposed general conditions comes with some new conditions and definitions  (e.g. level description, RPL and TQT) in addition to the existing conditions which most of the awarding organisations will find very clear and transparent and it will help them to create more relative and robust policies and procedures to comply with the Ofqual's regulations."

Under the proposed new approach, qualifications would no longer have to be unitised or credit-bearing, but could be if that was the best way for the qualification to meet its purpose.

Ofqual stated, "Our proposed approach to the way the level and size of qualifications should be described will underpin a new framework for the qualifications we regulate, the Framework of Regulated Qualifications. The new framework will provide a means to describe and compare aspects of qualifications (their level and size) and to identify possible progression routes between qualifications. The framework will not impose design rules on qualifications". The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. 

Sources: After the QCF, Ofqual launches consultation on life after QCF, Withdrawing QCF regulatory arrangements.